ON HOLD

A very high quality piece with the unusual combination of Dragon and Tiger on a rich shakudo plate adorned in gold.  Both animals have an abundance of symbolisms.  Dragons in clouds are symbolic of wisdom, are associated with sky and oceans, Spring, and the West, while Tigers and bamboo represent strength, land and air (often shown with wind around them), Autumn, and the East.  They are also associated with constellations with the Dragon linked to Orion, Taurus, and Andromeda, and the Tiger with the Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio constellations. 

The carving and detail on this piece is brilliant.  Both the dragon and tiger are sculpted slightly proud of the Aoi-gata rim.  The dragons features are fabulous with wonderful scales, feet, and facial features.  The Tiger has very fine engraving of hair and stripes.  The eyes are facinating and have been rendered to show an intense focus known as "Zanshin" (complete focus and awareness).  The nanako groundwork is has been lain with great skill and precision.  Measure 7.6 cm x 7.1 cm x 4.5 mm thick on the rim.  It is unpapered, but would be an excellent candidate for submission to shinsa and a fine addition to compliment a collection. 

SOLD